Payton takes good first step

this is a discussion within the Saints Community Forum; PALM BEACH, Fla. - The Saints got into the bounty mess because their leaders exhibited off-the-charts arrogance and the kind of bulletproof mentality that is usually reserved for actual NFL players - and teenagers.
But in the first public steps ...

PALM BEACH, Fla. - The Saints got into the bounty mess because their leaders exhibited off-the-charts arrogance and the kind of bulletproof mentality that is usually reserved for actual NFL players - and teenagers.

But in the first public steps for the franchise since it was slapped with unprecedented punishment by the NFL, Sean Payton appeared to be a changed coach.

He could have been defiant. Instead, he was contrite.

“You’re disappointed,’’ Payton said Tuesday at the NFL meetings when asked about his season-long suspension. “You’re disappointed in yourself that it got to this point, and I think we’re trained as coaches to begin preparation right away. I find myself reflecting on it, and you go through a lot of emotions.’’

He could have deflected the tough questions. Instead, he hit them head-on.